Top 10 Nigerian States With Highest Number of Internet Users Revealed in NBS Report
The National Bureau of Statistics has published comprehensive telecommunications data detailing internet user distribution across Nigeria, revealing significant concentration in key states despite a marginal nationwide decline. According to the report covering the second quarter of 2025, Nigeria recorded 142.05 million internet subscribers, representing a slight 0.62% decrease from the previous quarter but a 3.42% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Market Dominance and Growth Patterns
The telecommunications landscape continues to be dominated by major mobile network operators, with MTN, Airtel, Glo, and EMTS accounting for the vast majority of connections nationwide. Fixed broadband and Voice over Internet Protocol services contribute relatively small fractions to the overall subscription numbers when compared to mobile GSM networks.
Growth patterns varied significantly across states, with Edo State recording the highest year-on-year increase at 35.24%, followed by Delta State at 19.19% and the Federal Capital Territory at 13.33%. Quarterly performance showed mixed results, with Kano and Ogun states posting gains while Lagos and Kaduna experienced slight declines in their subscriber bases.
Detailed Breakdown of Top States
10. Anambra State – With 4.11 million internet subscribers, Anambra represents approximately 2.9% of the national total, demonstrating steady digital adoption in southeastern Nigeria.
9. Edo State – Recording 4.68 million subscribers, Edo State showed remarkable growth at 35.24% year-on-year, indicating rapid digital expansion in the region.
8. Rivers State – The oil-rich state accounted for 5.11 million internet users, maintaining its position as a significant digital hub in the Niger Delta region.
7. Delta State – With 5.32 million subscribers, Delta State posted strong year-on-year growth of 19.19%, reflecting increasing internet penetration in the state.
6. Kaduna State – The northern state recorded 6.16 million internet subscribers, though it experienced a slight quarterly decline in its user base.
5. Federal Capital Territory – The nation's capital accounted for 6.26 million subscribers, representing about 4.4% of the national total. Despite a 1.03% quarterly decline, the FCT showed significant year-on-year growth of 735,847 additional users from 5.52 million in Q2 2024.
4. Oyo State – With 6.29 million internet subscribers, Oyo State represents approximately 4.4% of Nigeria's total. The state posted a modest 0.39% year-on-year increase but experienced a 1.15% quarter-on-quarter decline in subscriptions.
3. Ogun State – The industrial hub bordering Lagos accounted for 8.46 million subscribers, representing about 6.0% of the national total. Ogun State showed positive growth both year-on-year (adding 544,413 users) and quarterly (2.37% increase).
2. Kano State – Nigeria's most populous northern state recorded 8.90 million internet subscribers, representing approximately 6.3% of the national total. Kano added 382,099 subscribers year-on-year and grew 1.28% compared to the previous quarter.
1. Lagos State – Maintaining its position as Nigeria's digital capital, Lagos State dominates with 17.59 million internet subscribers, accounting for about 12.4% of total subscriptions nationwide. Despite its leadership position, Lagos experienced a slight decline of 147,354 subscribers year-on-year and a 0.22% dip compared to the previous quarter.
Regulatory Developments and Market Expansion
The Nigerian Communications Commission has recently granted operating licenses to six new Internet Service Providers, effective from January 1, 2026. This regulatory move raises the total number of authorized ISPs in the country to 231, up from 225 recorded in December 2025, indicating continued efforts to expand competition in Nigeria's broadband market.
The data reveals significant regional disparities in internet adoption, with Lagos State alone accounting for more than double the subscribers of the second-ranked state. This concentration highlights both the economic importance of Lagos as Nigeria's commercial center and the ongoing challenges of achieving equitable digital access across the country.
